Eisai and Biogen have officially launched Leqembi (lecanemab) in South Korea, marking a significant step in Alzheimer’s treatment. The drug, designed for early-stage Alzheimer’s patients, is set to address the growing dementia crisis in the region with a cutting-edge approach to slowing disease progression.
Leqembi, a humanized monoclonal antibody developed by Eisai and Biogen, is now available in South Korea. Approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in May 2024, the drug targets patients with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This milestone reflects the companies’ commitment to tackling the complex challenges of dementia care with innovative therapies.
Leqembi works by selectively targeting and reducing both soluble amyloid-beta (Aβ) protofibrils and insoluble Aβ plaques in the brain—key drivers of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s. Clinical trials have demonstrated the treatment’s ability to slow disease progression and reduce functional and cognitive deterioration, making it a promising option for patients and caregivers alike.
South Korea, where approximately 900,000 people were living with dementia in 2021, faces a significant societal and economic burden due to the condition. Alzheimer’s accounts for 70% of dementia cases, and the annual cost of care for severe cases can exceed 33 million South Korean Won (approximately $25,000). By introducing Leqembi, Eisai aims to provide early-stage patients with access to care that could delay disease progression and reduce long-term costs.
“We are dedicated to building a dementia ecosystem that emphasizes early diagnosis and treatment,” said a spokesperson from Eisai Korea Inc. The company will initially distribute Leqembi through private channels, supported by a Patient Assistance Program designed to expand access to the drug.
Leqembi’s development stems from a longstanding collaboration between Eisai, Biogen, and BioArctic. The treatment is already approved in several countries, including the U.S., Japan, China, and Great Britain, based on positive Phase 3 results from the Clarity AD trial. The trial met its primary and key secondary endpoints, showcasing statistically significant improvements in slowing cognitive decline.
In addition to its South Korean launch, Leqembi recently received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s CHMP, recommending its approval across the EU. Eisai and Biogen continue to pursue regulatory reviews in 17 other countries, emphasizing their global commitment to improving Alzheimer’s care.
With this launch, South Korea joins a growing list of countries benefiting from Leqembi ‘s innovative approach. By reducing the toxic protofibrils believed to cause neuronal damage, the treatment offers hope for improving patient outcomes and alleviating the caregiving burden associated with Alzheimer’s.
As Eisai and Biogen advance their joint mission, Leqembi highlights the potential of strategic partnerships in driving meaningful progress in neurological healthcare.